How the NIF Did It: Fusion Ignition with NIF Laser Scientist

How did we achieve nuclear fusion? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about human-made thermonuclear fusion, the world’s most powerful lasers, and harnessing nuclear power with operations manager of The National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Labs, Bruno Van Wonterghem.
Can we make fusion happen with less than 300 million jules? Find out about the NIF and the work being done in nuclear energy. We discuss quantum tunneling in the sun and the energy needed to overcome repulsive forces. Is our fusion hotter than the sun?
What are deuterium and tritium? Discover helium 3 and heavy hydrogen. What is the difference between a powerpoint laser and the world’s most powerful fusion lasers? Learn about the physics of lasers and what wavelength of laser is best for nuclear fusion.
Can we make our most advanced lasers better? We explain what plasma is and whether fusion will be scalable. Will we one day have nuclear fusion power stations or portable fusion reactors attached to our cars? What is in store for the future of Lawrence Livermore National Labs? How can fusion be improved?
Thanks to our Patrons Gavin Mallow, Willest74, Isaac Labbe, Allen, and Beefcake for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
About the prints that flank Neil in this video:
"Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. inuit.com/
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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson
00:00 - Introduction: National Ignition Facitily
05:30 - What is Ignition?
08:00 - Does fusion require too much energy?
13:00 - Why such high temperature?
17:05 - Hotter than the sun & Quantum Tunnelling
20:35 - Dueterium, Tritium, & Helium 3
28:55 - LASERS
38:00 - Making large lasers for fusion
41:38 - What is Plasma?
45:45 - Is fusion scalable?

[@StarTalk]

What would you do with a portable fusion reactor?

[@100DollarBillYall]

charge my phone

[@Souljaman2006]

Design transportation to get from New York to California in less than half the time it takes currently. The rest of the solar system can wait till we do that...that is my logic though...

[@JonathanRootD]

Use it to post a TikTok.

[@Dayuster]

Drones

[@cassiusmishima9052]

create my own element

[@andrewlindenfeld6222]

Thank you Dr. Neil D. Tyson! I know you’re too humble to realize it, which is one of the many qualities that makes so many love you, but you have no idea how much you really have made the world a better place. Even if your contribution to society stopped right now, the invaluable information you’ve disseminated as of this moment will continue to make society a better place for decades to come. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me so interested in science! I’m sure I’m far from the only one that could say the same thing!

[@siriusblack7714]

Neil degrasse is alot of things...humble is not one of them lmao

[@tiadiad]

Daym Andrew!!! Daym!!!!!!!!!!

[@raghavendras4097]

Same exact feelings from me too And I'm also thankful that he is spreading knowledge for common people to understand

[@kennethsmith2030]

Words out my mouf this drives my createful juice wipe out the solar system gears turning ready to learn more 💯 👌🏾 😌 💪🏾 😎. Jk 😄

[@pugwodo889]

Facts

[@OyvindBjorgo]

"Which is a good thing, because otherwise[...]" Scientist dry wit at its best. That utterance had me laughing for a while. Please have Bruno back on. The back and forth between you guys was awesome.

[@mattmorris419]

It's criminal this channel doesn't get more exposure

[@glike2]

Great to see an important and leading scientist and fellow countryman from our little county of Belgium 🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪

[@LEDewey_MD]

Great discussion about a great subject! I looked up more info on Dr. Wonterghem, I found an interview at the website for the National Ignition Facility, where he describes his background - and revealed he got to play an "extra" on the set of "Star Trek: Into Darkness", and the NIF was "converted" into a "spaceship". He got to keep his "red shirt" after they were done filming! How cool is that?! :)

[@datblauebrz7167]

I didn’t check, wether this is true. But after having watched this video, I would be even happier for him. Such an intelligent and sympathetic person.

[@BeamMonsterZeus]

Eh, Hollywood. Nty

[@cowboylvnv1]

Yes, it's a fact NIF used as a sound stage for ST: Into Darkness. This was the scene where Mr. Scott quits since not allowed to take apart prior to loading the Top Secret Missiles containing Kahn's crew. Go to that scene and then compare to NIF screen shots. All Lab employees were thrilled!

[@lemongavine]

Dr Van Wonterghem is super serious but still has a great sense of humor. Chuck has that effect on people.

[@andreabrundage3958]

Dr. Tyson always bringing the BEST in science with top specialists from around the globe!! I love everything you have done to bring renewed interest in astrophysics and science in general, Dr. Tyson!! And Chuck Nice is irreplaceable as well due to the amazing rapport you guys have between each other and the guests you bring on the show. Please never stop!!!

[@jamiboothe]

This was delicious, and I think you should interview more people like Dr. Wonterghem, who are changing the course of humanity.

[@GlacialJaguar]

What a fantastic episode! I learned so much. Thank you so much Dr. Tyson and Dr. Van Wonterghem and Chuck too for saying how we all feel 😂

[@lidoanho]

Neil! You're doing such a great job! Before I didn't know what was the importance of Science but then you entered to our lives and everything changed for the betterment!

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Neil and Chuck for 2024

[@magicaces13]

Just found the channel. Absolutely thought provoking and inspirational. My hope for humanity is more people like you.

[@bigdaddycrow2896]

This is why Neil and startalk are so great. Neil doesn't play around, you need or want to know he and his friends find out. Thank you

[@momomom6291]

Hey guys thank you so much for the Absolutely Stellar content i cant thank you all enough for putting this show together you’ve been an absolute gift to me that i get to learn something new everyday with my favorite peoples!!

[@StarTalk]

The pleasure is ours. Keep Looking Up!

[@thegreenhornetkato6211]

Thank You Sir .... your family must really love you Please thank them for sharing you with us all !

[@christianolivera8019]

Incredible episode!! I love the visuals about the laser technology at the Livermore Lab (or the smaller individual green/red lasers) that are added in the video as the topics are explained. This certainly helps me get a much better understanding on the topics! Much appreciated!

[@DRob70]

As complicated as that experiment was, Bruno was able to explain it in an understandable way. Thank you

[@shawnanderson3062]

Read this Neil. You are my favorite science teacher ever. For real you bring out my love and excitement of learning. Also what an age to live in. P.s. love you to Chuck.

[@TheJosephoenix]

Awesome show. Learned a ton. Thank you all :)

[@topspacesource]

Great podcast Dr Tyson. Learned a lot I didn't know before.😎

[@zoomer74life1]

Dr. Neil, I've been learning from you for a long time! Keep it up my brotha!

[@ravenpapa27]

My uncle used to work with lasers too at the Livermore Labs in California! Pretty cool how much science he knows actually

[@sadihy]

Fascinating conversation, I feel like I've learned a lot about the basics of this topic in less than an hour. Thanks for the video.

[@sulakshanabheechook3456]

thank you so much mr neil and chuck for every explainer video guys....

[@3dgar7eandro]

What I humble and insidefull man, he was patient enough to answer every single question in a simple way so everyone could understand. I only hope to hear more of this guy and of course the Fusion project that could potentially change humanity position on the 'Kardashev's scale' 😁👏👏👌

[@tjyau7068]

Thank you for giving me a reason to keep looking up even when things are down. Learning the secrets of the universe through your show Neil has been life-changing. Amazing conetent.

[@dancooper8551]

This was utterly fascinating! Thank you!

[@Millisach1]

Another fascinating episode. Thank you

[@TJ45711]

This is actually really interesting and exciting, I'm genuinely hopeful for what is to come from these experiments and possible development in the future

[@josephnicholaslandi]

Amazing!!! Thank You Dr. Tyson for this video and thank you to everyone working at the LLNL for providing hope for the future!!!

[@x_capt_x9584]

Now after your intro and before I watch this, I would just like to personally thank you for what I'm about to watch.

[@user-tc1fw5ms5s]

I freaking love star talk! The episodes hosted by Niel & Chuck are always worthy of a chefs kiss 🤌

[@facelessqueenie8873]

Yes... we always need more.. this was such an awesome video

[@peggycozi8824]

So fascinating! Thank you for all this awesome explanations and info! I’m on the edge of understanding some of the process!

[@beckyd712]

Thank you for sharing such mind expanding ideas!

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for the awesome content!

[@josephsworkshop75]

Boss Man is a wonderful guest. Nice one 👍🏻

[@NormReitzel]

This is a marvelous presentation. Well Doine!!

[@klumaverik]

This just goes to show that the more we all work together the more technologically advanced we can become!🥰🥰🥰

[@thechangingtimes]

Incredible… it truly seems like humanity is on the verge of a new era in clean energy and self perpetuating energy creation.

[@Dudeyoudied]

Loved this! Thank you for putting this together for us all. 🙂

[@hawkwind769]

I love when a guest slows Neil down✌🏽👌🏽 Great episode

[@jamesharris5156]

Awesome episode Doctor Tyson! Thank you so much, as always!

[@ilanhzm]

Absolutely delightful!

[@kevinodinson]

Yeeeeessssss!!!! Thank u Neil!!!! I was hoping you guys would make a longer video on fusion!!!!

[@Steve8587]

Just started playing this video. SOOOOOOOOO excited on this one.

[@blueeyeadonishawke2020]

Dr. Tyson, thank you for everything you've done for the science and non-scientific community. You've sparked my passion for science, and I listen to you everyday. If you read the phone book, I would stay for the whole video. (Okay, maybe not...)

[@charleskeener7438]

We love you and your informative stuff yall give us more information is better than none 👍 😉

[@heinousanus9352]

Nicely done Neil & Chuck buds. 👊

[@lunatik9696]

Neil is always so relaxed and cool.

[@MrCmacin]

This is the best thing on KZbin!

[@eddiecampbell3514]

This was such a great episode guys!!! Makes my brain wanna tingle like Lord Nice's brain does!!

[@thefin7212]

Let's go fusion reactions 🤙 can't wait for the future !

[@tkelong3569]

Very cool and informative. Thanks guys.

[@carolineraymond9123]

You never know if you have the right informations on the internet. And this is such a big thing, I don't trust all the information I read ordinateur see about that. So trust Startalk to have the actual Director of the NIF to educate us about their achievement !! Thank you guys !! You never disappoint. 😊

[@Rob-eg8qc]

Lazer pens are part of my home protection protocol, anyone that enters my property I aim the lazer on their forehead, my 3 cats do the rest. Another interesting educational video guys, thanks 👍

[@anoopbains1257]

The best episode so far

[@alansharp1528]

Thankyou guys. A very interesting and entertaining video. 👍

[@basedpayne]

Chuck is so perfect for this podcast

[@Ai-dz7ys]

Incredibly interesting, thank you.

[@tmarkk99]

This episode has been my favorite so far. Don’t know how you keep doing that. But I said that about the last episode also.

[@thesuncollective1475]

Thank you for doing the "grown up" edition..love it!

[@cantthinkofaname1132]

Thank You! I love your content. Always very interesting. Also funny and entertaining at the same time.

[@jake5993]

Absolutely amazing. I love science

[@dr.michaellittle5611]

Outstanding episode !!

[@mariodumitrescu6234]

Currently in school for anthropology and I'm incorporating astronomy into it. Basically thanks to you and my main man Bill nye the science guy. I need endless videos, expand my thirst for more. Dewet.

[@leguile1]

Nice is getting really smart hanging around with all these smart people. Love it

[@benstallone6784]

Dr. Bruno Van Wonterghem - BossMan of Nuclear Fusion

[@giannimortela7887]

you are offically my favorite person, Neil

[@doupnetwork]

Thanks Bruno The Bossman for your great information

[@TheChtbrown]

This is great. Keep them coming

[@cristallechanelboone9781]

This is great, can you Dr. Tyson and Lord Chuck Nice have the Prof. from the Periodic Table Channel on for any topic; would be soooo appreciated 😊

[@aljeeper3292]

Best episode so far😎👍🏻🤓

[@mikestachowski9960]

Great topic and guest!

[@driftwood9705]

When Bruno had said how many joules he used, I was waiting for Chuck to say “I’d hate to see your electric bill !”

[@DirtyReaper]

Great work!

[@pacobm123]

Hey guys @StarTalk, I have an idea of topic to cover Dassault systems is currently implementing a digital twin - a virtual representation of a human heart, that is used to prepare, test and iterate operations strategies to save people lives in the US and abroad. The whole topic of digital twins would be super interesting to cover, from physical objects crash tests to human body surgery simulation, or airport hub congestion. There is very few articles on a topic that deserves more visibility, I discovered it thanks to a French KZbinr. Thanks, and keep doing what you do, I love your work!

[@0106Brandon]

Great interview very fascinating

[@reesegoerl6935]

i love this show !!

[@interrogateme]

Amazing show

[@Omegasutoraiki]

Thanks for making this video I love the idea of fusion. This and the new Kerbal Space Program 2 coming out on Feb 24th, gives me a lot of hope. The kind of hope for us to use fusion for power across the entire world. The kind of hope for that to lead to us not needing to worry about earth as much and for us to focus on space since we have far less issues here.

[@Omegasutoraiki]

@@User-dsq4gh7lkd3f to the person who keeps making these bots. Find something better to do in life that actually help people. It is a lot more enjoyable.

[@cesjr86]

Neil I have some questions that were burning in my mind throughout the video. One, can the lithium in recycled batteries go in as the fuel to this project? Two, can the lithium that goes in be reused to make new batteries? Third and final question, how much energy is used to get to the base products (overhead/startup) and if they were calculated into the 300MJ? Not assuming you personally know everyone of these answers, but any response provided would be awesome.

[@silverdragon4344]

Sounds an awful lot like what you would do when you jump a battery, only on a much larger scale. 🤔I'm glad you put this vid out, highly informative and quite an interesting topic I never thought I'd hear was close to being a real thing in my lifetime. 🥰

[@kirbyshiggs503]

The man is brilliant!❤

[@MitzvosGolem1]

Excellent 👍😆 love you two.. Information and funny 🤣

[@philipberthiaume2314]

Wow... if the physics is there, then this will transform humanity.

[@tjk3430]

Never thought I'd be successful enough to have my own personal astrophysicist.

[@benjaminjardine366]

This is very exciting, I hope before I leave this planet to see the first fusion factory operational. Really would be incredible

[@yirgebaklilu3825]

neil is so amazing and a wonderful scientist i always Wonder that his explanation about the universe and other related things is so clear not complex that everyone can easily understands means he is very brilliant the way he speaks about things how they began,work and how they sexists 👏👏👍👍

[@JP-xd6fm]

Could you make a video explaining the main differences about this fusion and the european future plant in France ITER? Thanks, btw Chuck is a great equalizer in terms of making the scientists to explain things easier to understant for the mere mortal ones as myself and he is very very funny!, love Chuck and Neil, the great duo!

[@haka666]

ty for the podcast

[@MartijnDenecker]

Thanks you for another great video! Will you ever go back to face to face interviews with decent audio quality though? Maybe only the long format 'specials'?

[@Kingrandoofficial]

You are Amazing 💯, you have me liking up again.

[@musingsbymarco5001]

Amazing! Such informed and easy to follow explanation into complex topics by BossMan Bruno. I am now enamored with the Dutch! Didn't they also invent the first lenses? It's like it's in their blood! A Dutch guy running the most cutting edge laser lab makes alot of sense. And I had some laughs imaging Dr. Evil from Austin Powers in my head. I mean he was dutch, obsessed with lasers, the way about him, gives me alot of appreciation for the impression haha! Lasers are so fascinating, I wish I had specialized in them like this guy, you get to do some of everything!

[@alijahan]

Hey Neil, it would be amazing if you had an episode with the people at Helion, i'd love to know more about the way they go for fusion.

[@JaymanWuddup]

Wonderful conversation

[@scottsaloney]

THANK YOU!!

[@protosoul14]

Witness protection lol. I love this show. You're all so smart and funny

[@-_Nuke_-]

This is going to be awesome! :D

[@08mario08]

Here early, this us gonna be a good one!